What is ETIAS and how will it affect your European travel in 2025?

Thinking of traveling to Europe this year? If you’ve never needed a visa or any other entry requirements to visit before, that’s all set to change with the introduction of ETIAS. Yep, that means you’ll need more than just your passport! So if you don’t want your holiday to end at the departure lounge, here’s everything you need to know.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a new entry requirement for nationals of visa-exempt countries that will travel to Europe. This means that countries that used to be able to enter Europe with just a valid passport and no other requirements now have to apply for authorization for short-term stays. Oh, and in case you’re wondering… What does ETIAS stand for? European Travel Information and Authorization System.

If you’ve traveled to the US any time since 2008, you’ll have had to get an ESTA to enter. ETIAS will work in a similar way. It’s an electronic authorization that will be automatically linked to your passport so there’s nothing extra to print or show. Once you’ve been approved, the ETIAS lasts for 3 years and can be used as many times as you like until it expires (or until your passport expires). You’ll be able to enter 30 European countries multiple times for visits of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Do I need ETIAS?

So who exactly has to apply for it? Well, basically all nationals from visa-exempt countries who want to visit for a short-term stay need an ETIAS. Otherwise, you’ll be barred from travelling!

So for example, do US or UK citizens need ETIAS? The answer is yes. If you’re from the US or the UK, or any of the 60 visa-exempt countries, you have to apply for ETIAS before you travel. There are a few special cases where you’re exempt from applying, for example, diplomats don’t need one.

When will ETIAS be implemented?

ETIAS is due to be implemented sometime in mid-2025. Once it comes in, you’ll probably hear about it on the news and on the official ETIAS website. Airlines are also likely to shoot you a reminder if you book a flight to Europe.

Be sure to keep an eye on this space, as we’ll update it as soon as we have an exact date!

How to apply for ETIAS

Though the exact process is yet to be finalized, applying for ETIAS should be as simple and straightforward as applying for an ESTA when traveling to the US.

All you’ll have to do is to fill out the application form on the official ETIAS website or the planned ETIAS mobile application. The fee is €7, and the application will normally be processed within minutes.

But, don’t wait until the last minute! In some cases, you might have to submit additional documents, which could add up to 14 days to the processing time, or even up to 30 days if you’re invited for an interview. So make sure that you apply for your ETIAS as soon as possible before your trip

Luckily, ETIAS will be valid up to 3 years after it’s approved or until your passport expires. If you get a new passport, you’ll have to apply for it again as it’s linked to the passport you use for the application.

If you have multiple passports that you plan on using for travel, be sure to get an ETIAS for all of them, or only use the one that it’s linked to.

How do I use ETIAS once I have it?

The good news is you don’t really have to do anything once you’ve been approved. You don’t even need to print the authorization out as it’s stored digitally. You just present your passport as normal and the officials will check if you have it. As ETIAS is linked to your passport, be sure to carry the same travel document you used to apply for it.

The headache only starts if you don’t have a valid ETIAS. In that nightmare scenario, you’ll be doing a Tom Hanks, unable to enter Europe and forced to live in the airport. Well, not quite as you’ll be able to go back home at least. But, still, your trip will be over before it’s begun as you won’t be allowed to board any bus, train, ship, or flight that's bound for any European destination.

What are the chances of being denied ETIAS?

There are several reasons that you could be refused an ETIAS travel authorization. Here are just some examples:

• If you have a lost, stolen, invalid, or expired passport.

• If you’re considered a risk for security, illegal immigration, or the spread of infectious diseases.

• If you don’t submit all documents or fail to attend an interview.

• If you’ve previously been refused entry.

If you’re refused an application you can appeal the decision by contacting the ETIAS authorities.

ETIAS application is easy!

Though ETIAS is a new requirement, the application process is quick and easy so don’t let it put you off grabbing a pain au chocolat in Paris, joining in the flamenco in Sevilla, or climbing the steps of the Acropolis in Athens.

There’s still some time before it goes live so you don’t have to do anything now. But once it does, make sure to not forget to apply for one in enough time to travel in the second half of 2025.